Stay alert; be in prayer so you don’t wander into temptation without even knowing you’re in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there’s another part that’s as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire. Matthew 26:41 (MSG)
Sometimes I can be lazy when it comes to prayer. I know it is my time to commune with Jesus, to seek His face for direction and guidance, and to pray for loved ones, lost souls, and world matters. However, there are times I let the busyness of life take precedence over prayer. I don’t take the time to spend quiet time in prayer. Each time I renew my mission to be more consistent in prayer, I tell the Lord the same thing, “I’m going to make quiet prayer time with You a daily habit.” So this week I am starting over again. I am so thankful that Jesus knows my weaknesses and always gives me more chances.
Jesus would often steal away from the crowds to spend quiet time in prayer with His Father. He wrestled in prayer all night before He was crucified. He knew the road ahead would be excruciating, but in the end, Jesus’s words to His Father were “Not my will, but thy will be done.” Through prayer, Jesus found the strength to endure the pain of the cross. He challenged the disciples to stay alert and be in prayer. He knew they would need that same strength in their own lives.
Paul said we should pray continuously, because there are always forces around us trying to pull us into temptation, away from our walk with Christ. We cannot afford to consider prayer as an option. Rather, it is a daily necessity. Just as Jesus gained strength and clarity in prayer, we can too.
Faith Step: Are you spending quiet prayer time with Jesus daily? If not, start today. If you don’t know what to say, just begin thanking Jesus. He will meet you right where you are.
